A day in their life

Downtown exhibit by Emmons school's photo club features students.

Downtown exhibit by Emmons school's photo club features students.

May 15, 2008|VIRGINIA RANSBOTTOM Tribune Staff Writer

At The Beanery in downtown Mishawaka, there's a close-up photograph of a clock's hands at 3 o'clock. The photo is titled, "Blissful Hour," by Carley Piatkowski. It's one of 200 photographs on display as part of "A Day in the Life of an Emmons Student'' exhibit. Every picture was taken by fifth- and sixth-graders in Gerri Mahoney's photo club. Young photographers took turns with digital cameras documenting students' daily routines. No flashes were allowed in classrooms so as not to disrupt the school environment. The photo club's sponsor is an Emmons assistant computer technician with a degree in photo journalism. Mahoney expanded the program using a grant from the School City of Mishawaka Education Foundation. "I wanted to show the community what Emmons is all about," Mahoney said during the exhibit's opening reception. "They're such good kids." The exhibit featured pencils moving across paper, bright colored book binders, boys making funny faces and shadows of friends standing on the sidewalk. The intent was to increase exposure to new technologies and increase awareness of the student's environment. "I was pleasantly surprised with their artistic views," said The Beanery owner Todd Mendez. "We like to support as many local artists as possible, but this is the only school exhibit we've had. "When people see that these are from students, they're shocked." Fine arts photographer Steve Toepp, of Midwest Photographics, is one the many artists who has exhibited at The Beanery. He was there for the reception. "You can tell by the images that they enjoyed the experience of taking pictures and are proud of showing them today," Toepp said. "I think they learned that photography can help you explore your world -- at least that's what I see going on here." Judy Hines came to the reception to see her grandson's photographs. "I'm impressed," she said. "It's almost like a yearbook that puts a tear in your eye." Grandson Jacob Hines said he learned a lot from the experience, using such things as different filters. "I love to do it," he smiled. "I may be a photographer someday." Jacob had several photographs in the exhibit. One was of a teacher writing on a piece of paper. It was untitled. "Someone was getting graded," he said. "I knew what the grade was so I left it untitled." "A Day in the Life of an Emmons Student" exhibit runs through May 28 at The Beanery on Main Street in downtown Mishawaka.Staff writer Virginia Ransbottom: vransbottom@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6344